I know this girl (let’s call her Molly) who is a serial yoga dater. Molly loves yoga, loves the way it makes her body feel, loves how it gets her mind right, loves the connection with herself. It’s awesome in many ways. She loves yoga so much that she simply won’t commit to a style or studio or teacher … because Molly is a Groupon addict. Yep, good ol’ Molly hops from studio to studio on every Living Social, Groupon, Google Offer, and Yelp deal out there to get her flow on. And Molly will NEVER buy a pass at any of these beautiful meccas of peace and prana because, well, why should she? 

That old adage your mom told you when you wanted to move in with your boyfriend in college– Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? (ew ) — is the story of Molly’s mistress ways with her yoga mat. 

Now, not every coupon buyer is like Molly. Some actually fall in love, buy the unlimited pass, and never step foot in another studio. SOME. But the majority (and I say this in full confidence having been on the back end of such a studio) walk in and out of those doors once their Super Cheap Five Class Pass is up and never look back.

Val, talk is thick in the world of new businesses: “Should I give my services for free in exchange for testimonials and referrals?” “Will anyone want to hire me if I’ve never had a client before?” “I should be grateful that someone wants to work with me at all. I’ll low ball them so I can get the client.” Well, to answer those three: NO, YES!, and Let’s Talk About It.

To answer these questions, you’ve got to switch the thinking around and make yourself think like your potential clients. “Do I want a free service where it might not get done on time and I have no way of really holding them to it because, well, it’s free?” “Am I more likely to pay money to a professional rather than someone who gives it all away?” 

And then there’s this one:

“Ooohhh. I totally dig that free guide she created for me. I wonder what else she can do? If this little gem was completely free, how much value will she provide if I hire her?”

See what happened there…. 

Giving all of your goodness away for free cheapens what you do. It says to the world that you don’t consider yourself a professional (which you are) and that your work isn’t worth a dime (which it is).  

You are a business owner with incredible services to offer that are worth dollars! Lemme ask you this one: If you fill your time with clients who want you to work for free, when will anyone be able to PAY YOU? 

Offer a little bit of who you are and what you do with a free gift. Put it out there, let your talents shine. Go ahead and pour your heart and soul into it as though that little freebie is going to garner you those 6 figures. ‘Cause it will. Show the value you provide in everything you do and those paying clients will be there. 

xo